Bible Dictionary

Miriam

A Hebrew and biblical feminine proper name of uncertain etymology, traditionally associated with meanings including "bitterness."

Quick Reference

Total Entries

368

Entry Position

236 of 368

Letter

M

Meaning

A Hebrew and biblical feminine proper name of uncertain etymology, traditionally associated with meanings including "bitterness."

Key Scriptures

  • Exodus 2:1-10
  • Exodus 15:20-21
  • Numbers 12:1-15
  • Numbers 20:1
  • Numbers 26:59
  • 1 Chronicles 6:3
  • Micah 6:4

Original Language

Hebrew

מִרְיָם

Miryam

etymology uncertain; traditionally associated with "bitterness"

Greek

Μαριάμ

Mariam

Miriam

Meaning

Miriam is a Hebrew and biblical feminine proper name of uncertain etymology.

The name has traditionally been associated with meanings including “bitterness.”


Biblical Usage

In Scripture, Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron.

She watched over Moses when he was placed in the ark of bulrushes and helped arrange for their mother to nurse him.

Miriam later led the women of Israel with timbrels and dances after the crossing of the Red sea.

She was also a prophetess and was temporarily judged with leprosy after speaking against Moses.


Key References

  • Exodus 2:1-10
  • Exodus 15:20-21
  • Numbers 12:1-15
  • Numbers 20:1
  • Numbers 26:59
  • 1 Chronicles 6:3
  • Micah 6:4

  • Moses
  • Aaron
  • Jochebed
  • Amram
  • Prophetess
  • Red Sea

Study More

Continue your Bible study by exploring related Scriptures, dictionary terms, and connected topics.

Scriptures

  • Exodus 2:1-10
  • Exodus 15:20-21
  • Numbers 12:1-15
  • Numbers 20:1
  • Numbers 26:59
  • 1 Chronicles 6:3
  • Micah 6:4

Related Terms

Study Topics